20 Handy Uses for Leftover Paint

It's always a good idea to purchase more paint than you actually need when painting at home, which is why so many of us have gallons of it leftover paint in the garage. Instead of letting it collect dust, try using the paint for any of these simple household projects. We've listed 20 handy uses for leftover paint. Each one is simple to complete, but will make a big impact in the home.

Accent a bookcase - Add depth to a room by painting the inside backs of bookcases or china cabinets. Whether they're freestanding or built-in, when you paint their back panels a contrasting color it really adds a touch of beauty.

Decorative stenciling - Wall stencils are a quick way to dress up any room, and you don't need a lot of paint to complete this simple project. Learn how to stencil a wall border with leftover paint.

Create an accent wall - If you have enough paint leftover from a previous project, try painting one wall in a separate room with what you have left. This will create an accent wall, which will add an instant focal point to the room.

Decorative stamping - Wall stamping is similar to stenciling, except the paint is applied directly to the stamp, making it a technique that is a bit easier to master. This is the perfect project for using leftover paint, as it doesn't require a lot.

Dress up shelving - Refinish shelving units with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you have one or two wall mounted shelves, or a wall filled with built-in units, adding a new color to these objects will really dress up a room.

Light touchups - It's always a good idea to keep leftover paint for touching up paint nicks or chips on previously painted walls. Touch up small areas with an artist's brush and the repair will be undetectable.

Paint inside a closet - By painting inside the closet you not only add a burst of color, but you help protect the interior from scuffs, nicks, and scratches, too.

Paint a closet door - It doesn't require a lot to repaint a closet door, so this is a great way to use leftover paint.

Paint dresser drawers - When dresser drawers are painted a different color than the rest of the furniture, it adds a beautiful contrast to the entire room. Try painting the drawers on your dresser and nightstand in the bedroom.

Refinish furniture knobs and pulls - If you have wood hardware on furniture, remove them and repaint them a pretty new color. You'll be amazed at how this small change will make such a dramatic difference.

Give new life to an old table lamp - Leftover spray paint is exceptionally good for this quick project. Take the old lamp outside and spray it evenly. Allow it to dry overnight. Voila! You have a brand new table lamp to spruce up your living room.

Paint trim work - Add a fresh color to furniture trim work, architectural trim work, or wood casings around windows and doors.

Add color to electrical outlets - Remove electrical outlets and give them a fresh new look with leftover paint. Make sure the paint is completely dry before reinstalling.

Touch up nicked furniture - Furniture that has been nicked or chipped can be touched up with paint of a similar color. Use an artist's brush to apply the paint and don't use more than is absolutely necessary.

Spruce up a flea market find - Old furniture can be purchased at a steal from local flea markets or yard sales, but don't always look so hot. But, with a little TLC and leftover paint, you can spruce it up into something special.

Detail the fireplace mantel - Give the fireplace mantel a fresh new look. If you don't have enough paint to completely cover the mantel, try hand painting or stenciling a unique design on the front of it, instead.

Refresh outdoor furniture - If you have paint that can be used outdoors, use it to refresh dingy looking outdoor furniture. Sand the old paint first and wash it down with a solution of water and bleach before repainting.

Refinish a child's desk - Children's desks are relatively small in size, and won't require a lot of paint to refinish. No matter what color you have to work with, your child will love having a brand new look to his or her workspace.

Paint cabinet doors - Unattractive kitchen cabinets don't need to be replaced. Try painting just the door fronts using leftover paint.

Use as primer - A little known way to use leftover paint is as a primer. If you're painting over a dark color, you will need to apply a primer before the new paint. Primer can be expensive, but leftover paint is free! Just paint it over the old paint and allow it to dry overnight. Then, repaint with your new color.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Unique Uses for Leftover Wallpaper

Surprising Uses for Cider Vinegar and White Vinegar

Clever Ways to Decorate Wine Bottles

Source: Personal knowledge and experience